| Bethel Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth: | February 11 1979 |
| Place of birth: |  Corsicana, Texas |
| Position(s): | Wide receiver |
| Jersey #: | 81 |
| College: | Texas A&M |
| NFL Draft: | 2003 / Round: 2 / Pick 45 |
| Team(s) as player | |
| 2003-2005 2006 |
New England Patriots Minnesota Vikings |
| Stats at CBS.com | |
Bethel Johnson (born February 11, 1979, in Corsicana, Texas) is an American football wide receiver currently a free agent of the National Football League. He went to Texas A&M University and was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Known for his speed, Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick has said Johnson is the fastest player he's ever coached and one of the fastest, if not the fastest, player in the draft. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has echoed the sentiments saying "He's as fast as anyone I've ever seen. When I drop back, I can't throw the ball far enough for him not to be able to run it down." [1]
High School Years
Johnson attended Corsicana High School in Corsicana, Texas and as a senior, he led his team to the Class 4A state title game, and made 44 receptions for 979 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns.
College career
Johnson attended Texas A&M University, and finished his spectacular college football career with 117 receptions for 1740 yards (14.9 yards per rec.), and 11 receiving touchdowns. His 117 receptions and 1740 receiving yards were school career records.
NFL career
Johnson served primarily a speed specialist for the Patriots. He was known for several long-range diving catches, as well as two kick returns for touchdowns. In 2004 & 2005, he won the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots He was traded to the Saints on June 5, 2006 for defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan, who was drafted sixth overall by the Saints in 2003. [2] Johnson was criticized in New England for his ego and his work ethic. Saints coach Sean Payton questioned Johnson's "conditioning, his stamina and endurance" during the preseason. [3] Johnson was cut from the Saints before the 2006 regular season began after injuring his knee in a preseason game and then was signed by the Minnesota Vikings on October 10th, 2006.[4] On March 8 2007 he signed a one year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was released on June 5th after he failed a physical [5]. On July 9th, Johnson signed with the Houston Texans and they released him on August 31, 2007.
